War in the Desert- Gazala PBEM

[BlackSunshine]

And finally, the Operational map at the end of the turn.

[iaidoka2]

This is such a well written AAR I can't wait for the next instalment.

Now I am going to have to do "operational" maps for myself in my own games v the AI whilst I am learning BF.

[BlackSunshine]

ORIGINAL: iaidoka2

This is such a well written AAR I can't wait for the next instalment.

Now I am going to have to do "operational" maps for myself in my own games v the AI whilst I am learning BF.

Thanks for the kind words. Im doing my best to make it understandable. I hope I dont give too much away and ruin my plans. All that talk about loose lips and such...

Oh well, I do enjoy doing it, I wish I could do more of an AAR than a DAR (during action review!) [:)]

[BlackSunshine]

Turn 4


The turn starts with Axis forces peppering my entire front with artillery and airstrikes. The sandstorms gave way for a day, and apparently my lines looked inviting to attack.

In the north, the Axis edged their way to Alem Hamza, and began to attack.

[BlackSunshine]

I am hoping this is enough to hold Alem Hamza

[BlackSunshine]

After noticing the Axis beginning to assault again in this sector, I need to make sure that my forces are adequately supplied. I notice that my units far to the south are out of range of HQ, and thus attack supply. I move 1st SA HQ, supply and AA to the south to fix the problem.

[BlackSunshine]

South of Alem Hamza and to the north of Rotunda Ualeb, I notice the Axis has 2 engineer companies left out to dry. I launch an immediate attack and then fall back into defensive positons.



Also, I begin to shift 1st Army Tank Brigade forces, to prepare for their assault. I expect it will occur in about 2 days.

[BlackSunshine]

A last look at this sector and my future plans. Nearly all mines have been cleared, except where the Italians are currently positioned. No matter. If I can surround them, it will only be a matter of time before they are destroyed.

Also, the RAF decides to join the party and interdiction is begun on the Axis route of retreat.



I would think the Axis would realize what is happening. At least with the change of hex control. I am pretty sure they cannot see much of the units approaching them.

[BlackSunshine]

Near Bir Hacheim the Axis continue being very agressive. East of Pt. 171, it appears they are trying to go around my line to the south. All along the front, more artillery pounds my positions.

To the NE of Bir Hacheim, massive amounts of troops pour through the gap, and relieve the isolated Italian recon units. They may have gotten themselves into trouble though...

[BlackSunshine]

I decide to launch attacks where I can. The Free French also help out in the attacks.

[BlackSunshine]

And another attack against Italian recon units. One more attack followed against Italian artillery positions.

[BlackSunshine]

And here are the positions near Bir Hacheim at the end of the day. The Axis have quite a mass of recon, anti-tank, anti-air, and some other units in the salient between my line to the east of Bir Hacheim, and my line to the south.

The first thing I do is have the RAF hit their supply trains which are surely following behind. Also this slows their movement on the roads if they decide to escape.

Numerous options present themselves for the Axis here. They could swing back to the West, and attemp and encirclement. They could push a larger hole through my line to the north. Or they could even push off to the east to screen the attack on Bir Hacheim. Decisions, decisions.



Also, considering the large amount of forces I am facing, there was not much rest for the 3rd Indian Motorised brigade. They are needed to hold the line. I forsee an epic battle between 7th Armored and 8th pz regiment. They certainly have the odds in experience. BUt I have the odds, by my defensive positioning and being able to dig in.

[BlackSunshine]

And finally the operational map for the end of the day. I've made a decision and decided to throw 22nd armor Bde. and XIII Corps into the fray!




By turn 8, 2nd SA and 9th Indian will both be ready for action. I assume they are being refitted, they are hardly surprised any longer. These are both around Tobruk, and will move to Knightsbridge.

Not much else to report.

[BlackSunshine]

Turn 5 Balls to the Wall!

You have to take chances in combat. You can't play it safe. I've taken a big chance this turn, and I hope it doesnt cost me.

The Axis forces from the previous turn who entered the Salient to the East of Bir Hacheim didnt do a whole lot with the opportunity. In fact, either the interdiction slowed them down and they decided against moving, or they felt it was a safe position. Either way, I fully committed to enveloping them.

The action around Alem Hamza has slowed again. Not sure if the Italians are out of supply or realize it is nearly futile. In any event. Bir Hacheim is where this scenario will be won or lost.





The axis mount massive attacks against the strongpoints around Bir Hacheim. Or the Bir Hacheim "box". Each of the attacks, destroys 2 steps!

Also, 8th pz regiment hits 7th armored hard. Pushing them back.

I'm not worried about any of that. Thousands of Axis men and equipment are at my mercy, and I wont let this opportunity slip away.

[BlackSunshine]

And now... for the attack



After moving my units into position, I blast whatever I can with artillery, and any opportunities I have for direct fire.

This should be a bloodbath..

[BlackSunshine]

While the results were not stellar, they are still trapped. I moved them back from 2 hexes, and tightened the noose.



Also, units from the 29th Indian Infantry finally arrive. And not a moment too soon. We pull our lines back and try to have some sort of a defense for the inevitable counterattack.

The axis has a lot of decisions to make here. I hope I can keep these units trapped. Ive risked a lot and left myself in a vulnerable position trying to destroy them.

[BlackSunshine]

North of Rotunda Ualeb, my recon units continue to prep the way for the attack. It is scheduled for the next turn. Let's hope the Italians dont know it's coming!

[BlackSunshine]

At the end of the turn, the Allies are in position. The Axis does push some units of the 50th ID back, but it's just delaying the inevitable.

[BlackSunshine]

22nd armor Bde. and XIII Corps are now on the scene. Orders for 22nd armor are to hold the line, and not allow the Italians to advance. In the event they try to relieve they salient, 22nd armor is ordered to counterattack.

XIII Corps is ordered to set up their artillery in anticipation of the aforementioned counterattack.

[BlackSunshine]

Here is the situation at the end of the turn. Not a lot of attacks by the Axis.